Vigyan Setu emerging as powerful medium for boosting science and innovation in U’khand

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) recently launched the Vigyan Setu initiative. This initiative is a unique effort to bring science to the masses, develop scientific thinking among youth, encourage innovation and connect society with science. Under this initiative, modern science communication platforms such as the Vigyan Vani community radio station (88.8 MHz), the Vigyan Dhara studio and the Vigyan Drishyam podcast studio have been developed. This effort is emerging as a powerful medium for raising public awareness on science and innovation in Uttarakhand, which has recently become one of the few States to have introduced a Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP).  

UCOST director general Durgesh Pant stated that in this era of science and technology, there is hardly any area of human life untouched by science. “The role of science is constantly expanding in health, agriculture, education, environment, communication, disaster management, energy, water conservation and even the smallest activities of daily life. At such a time, it is crucial that science reaches every individual in society, not just laboratories, universities, or research institutes. Curiosity towards science, the development of a scientific outlook and logical thinking are the foundation of any progressive society. This is why science communication has established itself as an important bridge between science and society worldwide. The Government of India is also placing special emphasis on developing a scientific outlook among citizens. UCOST has launched the Vigyan Setu initiative to achieve this objective,” he said.

The UCOST DG said that the flow of information is rapid in today’s times. The expansion of digital media and social media has facilitated access to information, but at the same time, misinformation, rumors and claims purportedly based on scientific facts are also spreading rapidly. In such times, the role of science communication is not limited to providing information; it also becomes a medium for developing a scientific temper in society, explaining the difference between facts and myths, and developing the ability to make evidence-based decisions. In rural areas, topics like agriculture, water conservation, natural resource management, biodiversity, health, nutrition, climate change and disaster management are directly relevant to people’s lives. Providing scientific information on these topics in simple language directly benefits society. The aim of science communication is not just to teach science, but to make science a part of life.

Realising this vision, Vigyan Vani, established by UCOST, is Uttarakhand’s first community science radio station. The council has been granted the 88.8 MHz frequency by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through which it is broadcasting regular science-based programmes. On July 13 the Vigyan Vani radio station and its mobile application were formally inaugurated by chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in the presence of the Science and Technology minister Pradeep Batra. Through radio broadcasts and mobile applications, Vigyan Vani can now be heard anywhere in the country and abroad. Thus, science communication is expanding beyond local boundaries and gaining global reach. Even in the digital age, radio remains a highly effective communication medium due to its simplicity, reliability, and wide reach. Radio easily reaches people, especially in mountainous and rural areas, where internet access may be limited. Vigyan Vani regularly broadcasts lectures, discussions, and dialogues by scientists, educators, researchers and subject experts. Topics such as science news, new scientific discoveries, environmental protection, biodiversity, health, nutrition, agriculture, climate change, space science, innovation, startups, scientific achievements and local scientific activities are presented in simple and easy language.

Vigyan Vani in-charge Amit Pokhriyal said that various interesting programmes have been created to connect listeners across the country with science. These programmes aim not only to provide information but also to generate curiosity, foster a culture of questioning, and integrate science into everyday life. The Vigyan Dhara studio, established under the Vigyan Setu initiative, offers a new dimension to science communication. Expert lectures, webinars, training programmes, workshops and hands-on skill development training are organised here. These programmes aim to familiarise students, teachers, researchers and innovators with modern scientific techniques and develop their practical skills. Recorded lectures and training are being widely available digitally, enabling students in remote areas to benefit from quality science education and training. Podcasts are becoming increasingly popular among young people today. Keeping this in mind, UCOST has established the Vigyan Drishyam podcast studio. It records conversations with scientists, researchers, industry experts, educators and innovators on a variety of science and technology topics. These podcasts present topics such as Uttarakhand’s scientific achievements, environmental protection, biodiversity, startups, space science, health, innovation and the social impact of science in an engaging and interactive manner. Digital platforms are ensuring easy access to these programmes for youth and the general public. Vigyan Setu is not just a project, but a comprehensive public campaign to connect science with society. Its aim is to take science out of books and laboratories and make it an integral part of people’s lives. Through platforms like Vigyan Vani, Vigyan Dhara and Vigyan Drishyam, UCOST is making science simple, accessible, participatory, and inspiring. Vigyan Vani 88.8MHz can be downloaded from Google Play Store. For more information, one can also contact WhatsApp number 8679926955.